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Ford To Discontinue Mustang Shelby GT350
Thursday April 2, 2020
 When
it comes to the current, sixth-generation S550 Ford Mustang, the two
models that are truly worthy of the enthusiast’s attention are the Shelby
GT350 and the Shelby GT500. Unfortunately, one of those models is not long
for this world.
Sources familiar with The Blue Oval’s product plans that the Shelby GT350
and its GT350R track-focused variant will be discontinued in the near
future. Though many had their fare share of antics yesterday, this folks,
is no April Fools’ joke.
It appears that two range-topping Shelby models are just a tad too crowded
for the lineup, particularly for a product that has seen sales volumes
gradually decrease over the years: Mustang sales totaled just 72,489 units
for the 2019 calendar year, a decrease of over 40 percent compared to the
122,349 units sold in 2015.
The situation won’t be turning around for the better any time soon, as
consumers continue to flock to crossovers, SUVs and pickup trucks and away
from sedans and sport coupes. For proof, look no further than the fact
that the “traditional” Mustang will soon be joined by the Mustang Mach-E –
a crossover-like hatch that also happens to be Ford’s first dedicated
electric vehicle.
As for the Mustang Shelby GT350, there doesn’t seem to be enough of a
reason for customers to go for the GT350 when the significantly more
capable GT500 starts $12,500 higher (dealer markups notwithstanding).
Though $12,500 might seem a lot at first glance, that’s not significant
money when talking about high-priced pony cars that are often second or
even third cars (read: toys) for their owners.
For that $12,500, the GT500 delivers more of everything: 234 more
horsepower, 196 pound-feet more torque, and greater capability all around.
And that’s not to mention the GT500’s various other qualities, such as
massive 420 mm front rotors with an eye-popping 951.7 square centimeters
of swept area, plus a unique front fascia that’s more aggressive than that
of the GT350.
Of course, one of the defining elements of the S550-generation Mustang
Shelby GT350 is the flat plane crank in its atmospheric 5.2L V8 Voodoo
engine. Besides an exotic engine note, the unique crank configuration
allows the motor to deliver an exceptionally wide powerband. Alas, the
GT500 and its supercharged 5.2L V8 engine, internally known as Predator,
uses a more traditional cross-plane crank, but still makes substantially
more power, and healthy sounds, to boot.
The one key feature offered by the GT350 and not by the GT500 is a manual
transmission. The former comes only with Tremec’s TR-3160 six-speed stick,
while the latter is offered exclusively with a Tremec-sourced seven-speed
dual clutch. It appears that those who wish to row their own gears in a
2021 Shelby Mustang will be out of luck.
There’s no official word about the Shelby
GT350’s discontinuation just yet, but don’t expect it to be on the menu
once order banks for the 2021 Mustang open in a few weeks, though the
ordering process itself could end up being delayed by the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic.
Meanwhile, the current Mustang, in its
EcoBoost, GT, Shelby GT500 and new-for-2021 Mach 1 flavors, is road mapped
to remain on sale through at least the 2025 calendar year. What happens
thereafter is a bit muddy.
2020 Model Year Ford Shelby GT500
2020 Model Year Ford Shelby GT500
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